Extraction bag with support for containing a material to be extracted and sheet composite therefor

ABSTRACT

An extraction bag with support includes a support member and a bag member which contains a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extraction, and is obtained by using a sheet composite on which the support member is arranged and joined along the center line of a water-permeable filtering sheet member, by folding the sheet composite into two and by passing it through a bag-making machine (and, as required, though a filling machine). The head portions of the extraction bag with support are torn apart, the right and left ends are pushed down or up toward the inside to push open the head portions. At the same time, the leg portions continuous with the head portions are folded down to place the extraction bag with support on an extraction container. An extracting solution (hot water) is poured into the material to be extracted that is filled through the portion cut and torn away from the head portions or onto the material to be extraction that has been contained therein, thereby to safely conduct the extraction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an extraction bag with support, anextraction bag with support containing a material to be extracted and toa sheet composite for producing the bags. More specifically, theinvention relates to an extraction bag with support, an extraction bagwith support containing a material to be extracted, with which theextraction bag or the extraction bag containing a material to beextracted is stably placed on an extraction container to safely conductthe extraction, and to a sheet composite for easily and efficientlyproducing the extraction bags with support.

BACKGROUND ART

Japanese Examined Utility Model Publication (Kokoku) No. 60-7623 andJapanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 8-33572 discloseextraction utensils in which a bag made of a filter and a holder made ofa thick paper are combined integrally together, and the holder is foldedto assemble a support, thereby to extract a material in the bag.

Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 11-285443discloses a simple utensil for extracting beverages such as coffee orthe like by perforating a center hole at the center on the center lineof a thick sheet, forming pushing lines on the outer sides of the centerhole at the center enabling the central portion to be pushed up, forminga pair of support pieces on both outer sides of the center hole so as tomeet the center line at right angles and so as to be folded down via thepushing lines, and adhering the top edge of the bag made of a filteringpaper to the back side of the whole peripheral edge of the center hole.

So far, however, the extraction bags with support have been producedrequiring three separate steps, i.e., producing, first, a bag, attachingand fixing the bag to a support, and filling the bag with a material tobe extracted. It has therefore been strongly urged to produce a newextraction bag with support that can be produced by continuouslyconducting the above three steps in the form of a single step.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a bag with support for containing amaterial to be extracted or a bag with support containing the materialto be extracted, which can be stably supported in or on an extractioncontainer enabling the material in the extraction bag to be stablyextracted, and which can be easily and highly efficiently producedthrough a simple step. The invention further provides a sheet compositefor producing the bags.

An extraction bag (1) with support, of the present invention, comprises:

a bag member made of a water-permeable filtering sheet for containing amaterial to be extracted; and

a support member made of a water-resistant sheet for forming a supportfor said bag member; wherein

said bag member has front and back face sections formed by folding saidwater-permeable filtering sheet into halves along a center line thereof,said front and back face sections continuing to each other at their topedges thereof, and being joined and sealed together at both side edgeportions and at the bottom edge portion;

said support member is folded into halves along the center line thereof,and has front and back face sections overlapped on the outer sides ofthe front and back face sections of said bag member, the front and backface sections of said support member continuing to each other at the topedge thereof, symmetrical to each other, the common top edge of saidsupport member being overlapped on the common top edge of said bagmember, and a maximum width of said bag member being larger than amaximum width of said support member;

the front and back face sections of said support member aresectionalized into head and leg portions due to folding lines formed inthe direction of width thereof, and said head and leg portions can befolded along said folding lines;

arcuate push-bending lines are formed at the right and left edges of thecontinuing head portions of the front and back face sections of saidsupport member passing through said top edges and reaching the right andleft ends of said folding lines, and right and left push-bendingportions are formed on the outer sides of the right and leftpush-bending lines;

arcuate rows of perforations for cutting or tearing are formed in thecontinuing head portions of the front and back face sections of saidsupport member on the inside of said right and left push-bending linesover the front and back face sections of said support member and overthe front and back face sections of said bag member held therebetween,so as to be separated away from said right and left push-bending lines,portions for cutting or tearing are formed on the inside of said rows ofperforations for cutting or tearing, or the portions for cutting ortearing of the front and back face sections of said support member arecut and torn away, and said arcuate perforations for cutting or tearingare formed in the front and back face sections of said bag member only;

the front and back face sections of said support member and the frontand back face sections of said bag member in contact thereto are joinedtogether on at least one region of the leg portions; and

the portions for cutting and tearing of said bag member and of saidsupport member, or only the portion for cutting and tearing of said bagmember when the portions for cutting and tearing of said support memberhave been cut and torn away, are cut and torn apart along said rows ofperforations for cutting or tearing, the right and left push-bendingportions in the upper portion of said support member are pushed up orpushed down inwardly along said push-bending lines, so that the twocontinuing head portions of the front and back face sections of saidsupport member are push-opened toward both sides of said common topedge, that said portions for cutting or tearing of the bag member areopened and that the leg portions of the front and back face sections ofsaid support member are folded down from the push-opened head portionsalong said transverse folding lines, whereby the leg portions of thesupport member supporting the opened bag member are allowed to be placedon the extraction container and the material to be extracted iscontained in said bag member.

In the bag (1) with support, of the present invention, it is desiredthat downwardly extending middle aprons are formed at the centralportions at the lower ends of the leg portions of said front and backface sections of said support member.

In the bag (1) with support, of the present invention, it is desiredthat downwardly extending right and left side lower projections areformed at both the right and left lower ends of the leg portions of saidfront and back face sections of said support member.

In the bag (1) with support of the present invention, it is desired thatdownwardly extending middle aprons are formed at the central portions atthe lower ends of the leg portions of said front and back face sectionsof said support member, downwardly extending right and left side lowerprojections are formed at both the right and left ends of said legportions, and said right and left side lower projections form dents withrespect to said middle aprons.

In the bag (1) with support, of the present invention, one or more dentsmay be formed in the central portions of the middle aprons of the frontand back face sections of said support member.

In the bag (1) with support, of the present invention, the front andback face sections of said bag member may have a square or rectangularshape.

In the bag (1) with support, of the present invention, the bottom edgeof said bag member may be formed straight, and the width of the bottomedge may be smaller than the width of the common top edge of said bagmember.

In the bag (1) with support, of the present invention, two projectionsmay be formed on the bottom edge of said bag member, and the distancebetween the ends of the two projections may be smaller than the width ofthe common top edge of said bag member.

An extraction bag (2) with support containing a material to beextracted, of the present invention, comprises:

a bag member made of a water-permeable filtering sheet for containing amaterial to be extracted; and

a support member made of a water-resistant sheet for forming a supportfor said bag member; wherein

said bag member has front and back face sections formed by folding saidwater-permeable filtering sheet into halves along a center line thereof,said front and back face sections continuing to each other at their topedges thereof, and being joined and sealed together at their both sideedge portions and bottom edge portion;

said support member is folded into halves along the center line thereof,and has front and back face sections overlapped on the outer sides ofthe front and back face sections of said bag member, the front and backface sections of said support member continuing to each other at the topedge thereof, symmetrical to each other, the common top end of saidsupport member being overlapped on the common top edge of said bagmember, and a maximum width of said bag member being larger than amaximum width of said support member;

the front and back face sections of said support member aresectionalized into head and leg portions due to folding lines formed inthe direction of width thereof, and said head and leg portions can befolded along said folding lines;

arcuate push-bending lines are formed at the right and left edges of thecontinuing head portions of the front and back face sections of saidsupport member passing through said top edges and reaching the right andleft ends of said folding lines, and right and left push-bendingportions are formed on the outer sides of the right and leftpush-bending lines;

arcuate rows of perforations for cutting or tearing are formed in thecontinuing head portions of the front and back face sections of saidsupport member on the inside of said right and left push-bending linesover the front and back face sections of said support member and overthe front and back face sections of said bag member held therebetween,so as to be separated away from said right and left push-bending lines,portions for cutting or tearing are formed on the inside of said rows ofperforations for cutting or tearing, or the portions for cutting ortearing of the front and back face sections of said support member arecut and torn away, and said arcuate perforations for cutting or tearingare formed in the front and back face sections of said bag member only;

the front and back face sections of said support member and the frontand back face sections of said bag member in contact therewith arejoined together in at least one region of the leg portions; and

the portions for cutting and tearing of said bag member containing saidmaterial to be extracted and of said support member are cut and tornapart along said rows of perforations for cutting or tearing, or theportion for cutting and tearing of said bag member only is cut and tornapart along said row of perforations for cutting or tearing when theportions for cutting and tearing of said support member have been cutand torn away, the right and left push-bending portions at upperportions of said support member are pushed up or pushed down inwardlyalong said push-bending lines, so that the two continuing head portionsof the front and back face sections of said support member arepush-opened toward both sides of said common top edge, that saidportions for cutting or tearing of the bag member are opened and thatthe leg portions of the front and back face sections of said supportmember are folded down from the push-opened head portions along saidtransverse folding lines, whereby the leg portions of the support membersupporting the opened bag member are allowed to be placed on theextraction container.

In the bag (1) with support containing a material to be extracted, ofthe present invention, it is desired that downwardly extending middleaprons are formed at the central portions at the lower ends of the legportions of said front and back face sections of said support member.

In the bag (1) with support containing a material to be extracted, ofthe present invention, it is desired that downwardly extending right andleft side lower projections are formed at both the right and left lowerends of the leg portions of said front and back face sections of saidsupport member.

In the bag (1) with support containing a material to be extracted, ofthe present invention, it is desired that downwardly extending middleaprons are formed at the central portions at the lower ends of the legportions of said front and back face sections of said support member,downwardly extending right and left side lower projections are formed atboth the right and left ends of said leg portions, and said right andleft side lower projections form dents with respect to said middleaprons.

In the bag (1) with support containing a material to be extracted, ofthe present invention, one or more dents may be formed in the centralportions of the middle aprons of the front and back face sections ofsaid support member.

In the bag (1) with support containing a material to be extracted, ofthe present invention, the front and back face sections of said bagmember may have a square or rectangular shape.

In the bag (1) with support containing a material to be extracted, ofthe present invention, the bottom edge of said bag member may be formedstraight, and the width of the bottom edge may be smaller than the widthof the common top edge of said bag member.

In the bag (1) with support containing a material to be extracted, ofthe present invention, two projections may be formed on the bottom edgeof said bag member, and the distance between the ends of the twoprojections may be smaller than the width of the common top edge of saidbag member.

A sheet composite (3) for producing an extraction bag with support ofthe present invention comprises:

a water-permeable filtering sheet member; and

a plurality of support members arranged on the sheet member in thelengthwise direction thereof maintaining a distance; wherein

said support member are each constituted by two symmetrical halfportions on both sides of a center line thereof, the support membersbeing arranged on said sheet member in such a manner that the centerlines thereof are in agreement with the center line of said sheet memberin the lengthwise direction thereof;

the two half portions of said support members are continuing to eachother along the center lines;

wherein when the center lines are oriented in the horizontal directionand when the half portions are viewed in such a manner that said centerlines form top edges of the half portions:

(1) each half portion includes a head portion close to the top edge(center line), a folding line formed in parallel with the top edge, anda leg portion continuous to said top portion via the folding line;

(2) arcuate push-bending lines are formed at the right and left ends ofthe head portion of each half portion extending inward from the rightand left ends of said folding line, the arcuate push-bending linescontinuing to each other at said top edge;

(3) arcuate rows of perforations are formed in said head portion of eachhalf portion on the inside of the right and left arcuate push-bendinglines penetrating through said support member and through said sheetmember so as to be separated away from said push-bending lines, the rowsof perforations in each half portion continue into each other at the topedge so as to form an arcuate row of perforations for cutting ortearing, a portion for cutting and tearing is formed on the inside ofthe arcuate rows of perforation for cutting or tearing, or the portionfor cutting or tearing of said support member is cut and torn away, andsaid row of perforations is formed in the sheet member only; and

(4) each half portion of the support member and said sheet member arejoined to each other in at least one region of said leg portion.

In a sheet composite (3) for producing an extraction bag with support,of the present invention, it is desired that outwardly extending middleaprons are formed at the central portions at the outer ends of the legportions of the two half portions of said support member.

In a sheet composite (3) for producing an extraction bag with support ofthe present invention, it is desired that outwardly extending right andleft side lower projections are formed at both the right and left outerends of said leg portions of the two half portions of said supportmember.

In a sheet composite (3) for producing an extraction bag with support ofthe present invention, it is desired that downwardly extending middleaprons are formed at the central portions at the lower ends of the legportions of said front and back face sections of said support member,downwardly extending right and left side lower projections are formed atboth the right and left ends of said leg portions, and said right andleft side lower projections form dents with respect to said middleaprons.

In a sheet composite (3) for producing an extraction bag with support ofthe present invention, one or more dents may be formed in the centralportions of the middle aprons at the front and back face sections ofsaid support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a shape of a support member used for anextraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the constitution of a sheetcomposite for producing the extraction bag with support of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating how to produce the extraction bag withsupport of the present invention from the sheet composite of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating another shape of the sheet compositeof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a further shape of the sheetcomposite of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating a constitution of the extraction bagwith support of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating another constitution of theextraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a shape of the support member usedfor the extraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating another shape of the support memberused for the extraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a further shape of the supportmember used for the extraction bag with support of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a still further shape of thesupport member used for the extraction bag with support of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a shape of a bag member of theextraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating another shape of the bag member ofthe extraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating a further shape of the bag memberof the extraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a front view illustrating a still further shape of the bagmember of the extraction bag with support of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the extractionbag with support of the present invention is being used; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating another state where theextraction bag with support of the present invention is being used.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The constitution of a support member forming a support of an extractionbag with support of the present invention will now be described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front shape of a support member, wherein thesupport member 1 is constituted by two half portions 1 a and 1 b whichare symmetrical on both sides of a center line 2 (on both the upper andlower sides in FIG. 1). The two half portions 1 a and 1 b are continuingto each other along the center line 2.

When the center line is oriented in the horizontal direction and whenthe half portions 1 a and 1 b are viewed in such a manner that saidcenter line 2 form top edges of the half portions:

(1) the half portions 1 a and 1 b include head portions 3 a and 3 bclose to the top edge (i.e., center line 2), folding lines 4 a and 4 bformed in parallel with the top edge (center line) 2, and leg portions 5a and 5 b continuous to the head portions 3 a and 3 b via the foldinglines 4 a and 4 b;

(2) arcuate push-bending lines 6 a and 6 b are formed at the right andleft ends of the head portions 3 a and 3 b of the half portions 1 a and1 b extending inward from the right and left ends of the folding lines 4a and 4 b, the arcuate push-bending lines 6 a and 6 b of the halfportions being continuous with each other at the top edge (center line)2;

(3) arcuate rows of perforations 7 a and 7 b are formed in the headportions 3 a and 3 b of the half portions 1 a and 1 b on the inside ofthe right and left arcuate push-bending lines 6 a and 6 b, and arecontinuous with each other at the top edge (center line) 2 to form aclosed shape.

Portions of the rows of perforations 7 a and 7 b away from the centerline 2 may be overlapped on the folding lines 4 a and 4 b or may beformed on the inside of the folding lines 4 a and 4 b.

The support member 1 may be folded along the center line 2 so as to formtwo symmetrical half portions 1 a and 1 b, which can, then, beoverlapped one upon the other.

Outwardly extending middle aprons 8 a and 8 b may be formed at thecentral portions at the outer ends of the leg portions 5 a and 5 b ofthe two half portions 1 a and 1 b.

Pairs of outwardly extending right and left side lower projections 9 aand 9 b may further be formed at both the right and left ends of the legportions 5 a and 5 b of the two half portions 1 a and 1 b of the supportmember 1. Dents 10 a and 10 b may be formed between the middle aprons 8a, 8 b and the right and left side lower projections 9 a, 9 b. Theaction of these aprons and dents will be described later.

A sheet composite for producing the extraction bag with support of thepresent invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

In FIG. 2, the sheet composite 11 includes a water-permeable filteringsheet member 12 and a plurality of support members 1 arranged on thesheet member 12 in the lengthwise direction thereof maintaining adistance. The support members 1 are so arranged that the center lines 2thereof are in agreement with the center line 13 of the sheet member 12.

Leg portions 5 a and 5 b of the half portions 1 a and 1 b of the supportmember 1 are adhered to the sheet member 12 on partial regions 14 a and14 b.

As required, further, the sheet member 12 and the support member 1 maybe adhered together on the half portions 1 a and 1 b of the supportmember 1, on the regions 14 a and 14 b on the outer sides of the foldinglines 4 a and 4 b but close thereto or, as required, on portions 15 aand 15 b of the regions inside the rows of perforations 7 a and 7 b or,as required, on the regions 16 spanning on both sides of the center line(top edge) 2 of the support member 1 between the push-binding lines 6 a,6 b and the rows of perforations 7 a, 7 b, or may further be adhered onsmall regions 14 c and 14 d on the outer side of the adhesive regions 14a and 14 b. Rows of perforations (not shown) are formed in the sheetmember 12 at positions corresponding to the rows of perforations 7 a and7 b of the support member 1, so as to be cut and torn apart.

Or, the portions for cutting and tearing of the support member may havebeen cut and torn away in advance. In this case, the row of perforations(not shown) is formed in the sheet member only.

When folded into halves along the center line 13 which is in thelengthwise direction with the support member 1 on the outer sides, thesheet composite having the above-mentioned constitution assumes asymmetrical shape on both surfaces thereof with respect to the centerline.

A step of producing the extraction bag with support of the presentinvention from the sheet composite of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, the sheet composite 11 is folded into halves along the centerline in the lengthwise direction thereof, and the overlapped side edgeportions are fed to a bag-making machine (not shown) while being joinedtogether using an adhering machine 17. When a portion 11A including onesupport member 1 of the sheet composite 11 folded into halves, hasarrived at a position where the bag-making machine produces a bag andwhere the material to be extracted is filled therein, a gap portion ofthe overlapped sheet member is adhered like a belt at a portion (gapportion) between the sheet composite portion 11A and the sheet compositeportion 11B neighboring thereto on the downstream side, and thebelt-like adhered portion is cut. Here, a portion close to the edge ofthe sheet member of the belt-like adhered portion is adhered in aY-shape and is cut in the Y-shape by using an adhering/cutting machine18. A triangular portion 19 between the branching two sides may beremoved (by, for example, suction) as scrap. When the sheet membercontains a synthetic fiber that can be melt-adhered, theadhering/cutting machine 18 may have, as shown in FIG. 3, an ultrasonichorn (heating member) 20 and an anvil 21 with a Y-shapedadhering/cutting surface facing thereto.

The ultrasonic sealing machine shown in FIG. 3 can be used as theadhering machine 17 for adhering the overlapped side edge portions ofthe sheet member 12. Upon adhering and cutting the gap portion of thesheet member, further, the upper end of the downstream portion 11Bneighboring the sheet composite portion 11A is, at the same time,adhered and sealed, and is separated as a complete extraction bag withsupport from the sheet composite portion 11A.

The material to be extracted can then be filled in the sheet compositeportion 11A of which the lower edge portion and the side edge portionsof the sheet member are adhered. In this case, the bag portion 11Aobtained as described above, containing the material to be extracted andhaving its upper end open, is moved to a downstream position from theposition where it is adhered and filled, and has its upper openingportion joined and sealed in the same manner as described above, and iscut and separated away from the upstream sheet composite materialneighboring thereto. Thus, there is obtained the extraction bag (2) withsupport containing the material to be extracted. In the case of theextraction bag (1) with support without containing the material to beextracted, the material to be extracted can be filled after theextraction bag (1) is opened.

In the sheet composite of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4, thesupport member 1 and the sheet member 12 may be adhered together on ajunction region 14 e. The junction region 14 e is continuously formedover the head portions 3 a, 3 b and the leg portions 5 a, 5 b of thesupport member 1 on the outer side of the rows of perforations 7 a and 7b. The junction region may be formed in the form of double annular linesin parallel with each other, or may be formed as one or more annularlines with many discrete spots on the annular lines.

Further, the sheet member 12 and the support member 1 may be adheredtogether on one junction region on a region (portion for cutting ortearing) on the inside of the rows of perforations 7 a and 7 b, or may,as shown in FIG. 4, be adhered together on two or more regions, forexample, on a total of four regions, i.e., two regions on the right andtwo regions on the left of the center line 13.

Further, the regions for tearing inside the row of perforations 7 a and7 b of the support member 1 shown in FIG. 4 may have been torn away inadvance forming a cavity portion 7 c as shown in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 4, it is desired that the sheet member 12 and the support member1 possess the following dimensional relationship.

The ratio (W₂/W₁) of the distance (direction of width) W₂ from thevertical center line 13 of the sheet member 12 to the bottom portion 5 c(5 d) of the leg portion 5 a (5 b) of the support member 1 and thedistance (direction of width) W₁ from the vertical center line 13 of thesheet member 12 to the side line 12 a, is, desirably, from 1:0.8 to1:3.0 and, more desirably, from 1:1.1 to 1:1.5. When the ratio W₂/W₁ is1:1 or larger, i.e., when W₂ is more than 1 time as large as W₁, it isdesired that the bottom of the obtained bag member is cut inward andthat the bottom is broadened. It is further desired that the ratio(L₂/L₁) of the distance (lengthwise direction) L₂ from the transversecenter line 13 a of the support member 1 to the most protruded portionof the support member 1 in the lengthwise direction and the distance(lengthwise direction) L₁ from the transverse center line 13 a to atransverse cutting line 13 b at an intermediate point to the neighboringsupport member, is from 1:1 to 1:2.0.

Extraction bags (1) and (2) with support of the present inventionproduced by the above-mentioned method will now be described.

In FIG. 6, the extraction bag 22 with support is formed of awater-permeable filtering sheet, and includes a bag member 23 containinga material (not shown) to be extracted and a support member 24 which isformed of a water-resistant sheet material and forms a support for thebag member 23.

The bag member 23 has front and back face sections 25 a and 25 b formedby folding the water-permeable filtering sheet into halves along thecenter line thereof. The front and back face sections 25 a and 25 b arenot adhered but are continuous with each other at the top edge 26 (i.e.,along the center line), but are joined and sealed together at its bothside edge portions 27 and at its bottom edge portion 28.

The support member 24 has front and back face sections 29 a and 29 bformed by being folded into halves along the center line. The front andback face sections 29 a and 29 b of the support member are overlapped onthe outer sides of the front and back face sections 25 a and 25 b of thebag member. The front and back face sections 29 a and 29 b of thesupport member are continuing (without being adhered) to each other atthe top edge (i.e., along the center line) 30, and are symmetrical toeach other. The common top edge 30 of the support member is overlappedon the common top edge 27 of the bag member.

A maximum width of the bag member 25 is greater than a maximum width ofthe support member 24. Therefore, the extraction bag with support of thepresent invention is easily and efficiently produced through a series ofsteps by using a sheet composite obtained by arranging and adhering aplurality of support members on the sheet and member maintaining apredetermined distance in advance as shown in FIG. 2.

The front and back face sections 29 a and 29 b of the support member aresectionalized into head portions 3 a, 3 b and leg portions 5 a, 5 b bythe folding lines 4 a, 4 b formed in the direction of width. The headand leg portions can be folded along the folding lines 4 a and 4 b.

The head portions 3 a and 3 b in the front and back face sections 29 aad 29 b of the support member continuous with each other through the topedge 30 thereof. In the head portions 3 a and 3 b are formed arcuatepush-bending lines 6 a and 6 b that reach the right and left ends of thefolding lines 4 a and 4 b from the top edge 30. The right and leftpush-bending portions 31 a and 31 b are formed on the outer sides of theright and left push-bending lines 6 a and 6 b.

In the head portions 3 a and 3 b of the front and back face sections ofthe support member 24 continuous with each other along the top edge 30,rows of perforations 7 a and 7 b for cutting and tearing are formed onthe inside of the right and left push-bending lines 6 a and 6 b overboth the front and back face sections of the bag member sandwichedbetween the front and back face sections of the support member. Further,the arcuate rows of perforations are formed on the inside of the rightand left push-bending lines being separated away therefrom. The arcuaterows of perforations 7 a and 7 b of the support member and of the bagmember continue along their top edges 27 and 30, and form portions forcutting and tearing on the inside thereof.

The front and back face sections 29 a and 29 b of the support member,and the front and back face sections 25 a and 25 b of the bag member incontact therewith, are joined to each other on partial regions 33 a and33 b of the leg portions of the front and back face sections 29 a and 29b of the support member and, as required, further on partial regions 33c and 33 d formed under the regions 33 a and 33 b.

As required, further, the front and back face sections 25 a and 25 b ofthe bag member, and the front and back face sections 29 a and 29 b ofthe support member may be adhered on partial regions 34 a and 34 b ofthe portions 32 a and 32 b for cutting and tearing. As required,further, they may be joined on the regions 35 a and 35 b over both sidesof the top edge 30 of the support member between the rows of perorations7 a (7 b) for cutting and tearing and the push-bending lines 6 a (6 b).

It is further desired that the downwardly extending middle aprons 8 aand 8 b are formed at the lower central portions of the leg portions 5 aand 5 b of the front and back face sections 29 a and 29 b of the supportmember 1. It is further desired that the downwardly extending right andleft side lower projections 9 a and 9 b are formed at the right and leftend portions at the lower ends of the leg portions 5 a and 5 b. In thiscase, the dents 10 a and 10 b may be formed between the middle aprons 8a, 8 b and the right and left side lower projections 9 a, 9 b. Or, themiddle aprons 8 a, 8 b and the right and left side lower projections 9a, 9 b may be sectionalized by forming simple cutting lines.

In an extraction bag 22 with support shown in FIG. 7, the support member24 and the bag member 23 are adhered together on the junction regions 33e (33 f) provided on the outer side of the rows of perforations 7 a (7b). The junction regions 33 e (33 f) continue from the head portions 3 a(3 b) over to the leg portions 5 a (5 b) of the support member 24. Thejunction regions 33 e (33 f) may be formed along an annular line or maybe formed along two annular lines which are in parallel with each other.The junction regions may consist of many discrete junction spots thatare arranged along one or two or more annular lines.

Referring to FIG. 7, the leg portions 5 a (5 b) of the support member 1and the front and back face sections of the bag member 12 may be adheredtogether on two or more (e.g., three to four) junction regions 33 c (33d).

The shape of the leg portions of the support member is not limited tothose shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but may have other shapes such as thoseshown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11.

In FIG. 8, the middle aprons 8 a and 8 b only are formed at the lowerends of leg portions 5 a and 5 b of the front and back face sections ofthe support member. There is no limitation on the shape and sizethereof. To place the support member on the extraction container, thebottom portions 8 c and 8 d at the lower ends on the right and left ofthe middle aprons are placed on the upper edge of the extractioncontainer, and the middle aprons 8 a and 8 b are inserted in the innerside at the top edge of the extraction container. Namely, the pair ofmiddle aprons 8 a and 8 b are repelled outward due to the resiliencythereof, whereby the support is stably placed on the extractioncontainer. Besides, the support member is prevented from sliding on thetop edge of the extraction container.

In FIG. 9, the right and left side lower projections 9 a and 9 b areextending at the right and left lower ends of the leg portions 5 a and 5b of the front and back face sections of the support member. There is noparticular limitation on the shape thereof. To place the support memberon the top edge of the extraction container, the central bottom portions5 c and 5 d of the leg portions 5 a and 5 b of the front and back facesections 5 a and 5 b of the support member are placed on the top edge,and the right and left side lower projections 9 a and 9 b are permittedto extend to the outer side or the inner side of the top edge. In eithercase, the support member is stably held on the extraction container dueto the repulsing force of the right and left side lower projections, andthe support member is prevented from sliding on the top edge of theextraction container.

In FIG. 9, as required, cut-away portions 5 e (5 f) may be formed at thecentral portions of the leg portions 5 a (5 b) of the front and backface sections of the support member, so that the state of the bag membercontaining the material to be extracted can be observed during theextraction operation.

In FIG. 10, the width of the middle aprons 8 a and 8 b is shorter thanthat of the case of FIG. 4, permitting an increase in the width of thedents 10 a and 10 b formed relative to the right and left side lowerprojections 9 a and 9 b protruding toward the right and left. Thisenables the obtained extraction bag with support to be easily adaptedeven to an extraction container having a small diameter.

In FIG. 11, central dents 8 e and 8 f are formed in the central portionof the middle aprons 8 a and 8 b formed at the lower ends of the legportions of the front and back face sections of the support member.Therefore, the middle aprons are divided into two right and left hangingportions 8 g and 8 h due to the central dents 8 e and 8 f. This enhancesthe adaptability of the support member to extraction containers havingcomplex shapes.

FIGS. 12 to 15 are front views illustrating bag members 23 used for theextraction bag with support of the present invention. In FIGS. 12 to 15,the front and back face sections of the bag member 23 continue into eachother (not being adhered) at the top edge 26, but are adhered and sealedat both side edge portions 27 and at the bottom edge portion 28.

In FIG. 12, the front and back face sections 25 a and 5 b of the bagmember 23 are formed in a square shape (or a rectangular shape). In thecase of a rectangular shape, though there is no particular limitation onthe ratio of the length and the width thereof, it is usually desiredthat the length:width=about 1:0.5 to about 1:2.0.

In FIG. 13, the bottom edge portion of the bag member 23 is formed in aW-shape so as to possess two protruded portions 36 protruding downwardto promote drainage of liquid during the extraction. Though there is noparticular limitation, it is desired that the inner angle A of theprotruded portions 36 is usually from about 85 to about 125 degrees.

In FIG. 14, the lower half portions of both side edge portions 27 of thebag member 23 are bent inward, and the bottom edge portion 28 is formedflat. The bag member of this shape, too, is effective in improving thedrainage of the liquid after the extraction. Though there is noparticular limitation, it is desired that the inner angle B at both endsof the bottom edge portion 28 is usually from about 95 to about 125degrees.

In FIG. 15, two protruded members 36 are formed in a W-shape in thebottom of the bag member 23. The lower ends of the protruded members 36are formed as straight bottom edge portions 28 nearly in parallel withthe top edge 26 of the bag member. Though there is no particularlimitation, it is desired that the inner angle at both ends of thebottom edge portions 28 is usually from about 95 to about 125 degrees.

Described below, with reference to the drawings, are the operation andstate of executing the extraction by using the extraction bag withsupport of the present invention.

In FIG. 16, the extraction bag 22 with support is placed on the top edge38 of the extraction container (cup) 37. To place it, the portions forcutting or tearing of the extraction bag with support and of the bagmember are torn apart along the rows of perforations for cutting ortearing. This operation is usually effected for both the bag member andthe support member. The operation, however, may be separately effected.They can be smoothly torn apart simultaneously if the support member andthe bag member are joined together at the regions 34 a, 34 b where theportions for cutting and tearing are joined together and/or at theregions 35 a, 35 b between the rows of perforations for cutting ortearing and the push-bending lines. The portions for cutting or tearingof the support member may have been cut and torn away in advance to forma cavity. In this case, the portions for cutting or tearing in the headportions only of the bag member are easily cut and torn apart.

Next, the right and left push-bending portions 31 a and 31 b of thesupport member are pushed by the fingers so as to be bent up or bentdown along the push-bending lines 6 a and 6 b. Then, as shown in FIG. 16(pushed and bent down), the head portions 3 a and 3 b of the front andback face sections of the support member are pushed open toward bothsides of the top edge 30. Then, the portions 32 a and 32 for cutting ortearing in the head portions 3 a and 3 b are opened, and the portionsfor cutting or tearing in the bag member are opened, thereby to form anopening 39. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the bag member has beenadhered together on the junction regions 33 a, 33 b in the leg portions5 a, 5 b of the front and back face sections of the support member and,as required, on the regions 33 c and 33 d located thereunder. As thehead portions are pushed open, therefore, the leg portions 5 a and 5 bof the support member are pulled by the bag member, and are folded downalong the folding lines 4 a and 4 b to form a pair of support legsopposed to each other. The pair of support legs comprising leg portionsare placed on the top edge of the extraction container (cup). The middleaprons 8 a and 8 b of the leg portions are inserted in the inside of thecontainer (cup), the right and left side lower projections 9 a and 9 bare positioned on the outer side of the container, and the top edge 38of the container is inserted in the dents 10 a and 10 b, so that thesupport member engages with the top edge of the extraction container andis stably held thereby.

At this time, the bag member is joined to the support member on thejunction regions in the leg portions, and is further joined, asrequired, to the support member at the regions 35 a, 35 b locatedbetween the rows of perforations for cutting or tearing and thepush-bending lines. Therefore, the bag member that is opened is stablyheld in a hanging manner by the support member that is pushed opentogether with the material to be extracted contained therein.

The right and left push-bending portions 31 a and 31 b of the supportmember may be pushed and bent upward along the push-bending lines 6 aand 6 b. The push-bending portions 31 a and 31 b pushed up, the frontand back face sections 3 a and 3 b of the support members, and the headportions of the bag member adhered thereto, are pushed open toward bothsides of the top edge 30 to thereby form the opening 39.

When the material to be extracted has been contained in the extractionbag with support placed on the container, a predetermined extractionsolution such as hot water may be poured into the opening to extract thematerial in the bag member. Then, the extract is filtered through thebag member and flows down into the container. When the material to beextracted has not been contained in the extraction bag with support, theextraction bag is filled with a desired material to be extracted in adesired amount through the opening, and the same extraction operation isperformed.

In tearing the support member and the bag member apart along the rows ofperforations for cutting or tearing, the portions for cutting or tearingof the support member are not completely removed but instead, someportions of the rows of perforations are left, e.g., either the rightend or the left end thereof is left and is folded toward the outside ofthe opening, while the portions for cutting or tearing of the bag memberare completely removed. After the extracting solution (hot water) ispoured, the portions for cutting or tearing of the support member areused as a closure to cover the opening, thereby to maintain thetemperature and to effect the steaming for the material to be extractedthat is heated by the extracting solution (hot water).

The water-permeable filtering sheet forming the bag member of thepresent invention can be selected from a filtering paper, a filteringcloth and a filtering non-woven fabric (polyolefin ultrafine fibers suchas polyethylene ultrafine fiber and polypropylene ultrafine fiber,polyester ultrafine fiber, and a water-permeable filtering nonwovenfabric produced from mixed fibers of these fibers and a hydrophilicfiber that is usually used for filtering).

In the present invention, further, the water-resistant sheet forming thesupport member is selected from sheet materials that are not softened ordeformed even when they are brought into contact with the extract at thetime of effecting the extraction, and that can be cut or torn byfingers. As such sheet materials, there can be used a paper coated witha water-proof film of a thickness of 30 to 300 μm, a plastic sheet and aporous polyolefin resin sheet.

To adhere the bag member and the support member together, it is desiredthat at least either the bag member or the support member ismelt-adhered. An adhesive may be used. Though there is no particularlimitation on the kind of the adhesive, it is usually desired to use awater-resistant adhesive and, particularly, to use a harmlesswater-resistant adhesive.

There is no particular limitation on the material to be extracted thatis contained in the extraction bag with support of the present inventionprovided it can be extracted. For example, there can be contained acoffee powder, green tea, black tea, various kinds of Chinese tea, herbtea as well as various nourishing agents that can be extracted.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

By using the sheet composite of the present invention, the extractionbag with support containing or without containing a material to beextracted is easily and efficiently formed through one step, enablingthe material to be filled therein to be extracted. By using theextraction bag with support of the present invention, the material to beextracted contained therein is safely and stably extracted. Or, thematerial to be extracted is filled therein, and is safely and stablyextracted.

What is claimed is:
 1. An extraction bag with support comprising: a bagmember formed from a water-permeable filtering sheet for containing amaterial to be extracted; and a support member formed from awater-resistant sheet for forming a support for said bag member; whereinsaid bag member has front and back face sections formed by folding saidwater-permeable filtering sheet into halves along a center line thereof,said front and back face sections continuing to each other at a commontop edge thereof, and being joined and sealed together at both theirside edge portions and bottom edge portions; said support member isfolded into halves along the center line thereof, and has front and backface sections overlapped on the outer sides of the front and back facesections of said bag member, the front and back face sections of saidsupport member continuing to each other at a common top edge thereof,symmetrical to each other, the common top edge of said support memberbeing overlapped on the common top edge of said bag member, and amaximum width of said bag member being larger than a maximum width ofsaid support member; the front and back face sections of said supportmember are sectionalized into head and leg portions due to folding linesformed in the direction of width thereof, and said head and leg portionscan be folded along said folding lines; arcuate push-bending lines areformed at the right and left edges of the continuing head portions ofthe front and back face sections of said support member passing throughsaid common top edges and reaching the right and left ends of saidfolding lines, and right and left push-bending portions are formed onthe outer sides of the right and left push-bending lines; arcuate rowsof perforations for cutting or tearing are formed in the continuing headportions of the front and back face sections of said support member onthe inside of said right and left push-bending lines over the front andback face sections of said support member and over the front and backface sections of said bag member held therebetween, so as to beseparated away from said right and left push-bending lines, portions forcutting or tearing are formed on the inside of said rows of perforationsfor cutting or tearing, or the portions for cutting or tearing of thefront and back face sections of said support member are cut and tornaway, and said arcuate perforations for cutting or tearing are formed inthe front and back face sections of said bag member only; the front andback face sections of said support member and the front and back facesections of said bag member in contact thereto are joined together in atleast one region of the leg portions; and the portions for cutting andtearing of said bag member and of said support member, or only theportion for cutting and tearing of said bag member when the portions forcutting and tearing of said support member have been cut and torn away,are cut and torn apart along said rows of perforations for cutting ortearing, the right and left push-bending portions in the upper portionof said support member are pushed up or pushed down inwardly along saidpush-bending lines, whereby the two continuing head portions of thefront and back face sections of said support member are push-openedtoward both sides of said common top edge, and said portions for cuttingor tearing of the bag member are opened and the leg portions of thefront and back face sections of said support member are folded down fromthe push-opened head portions along said transverse folding lines, andwhereby the leg portions of the support member supporting the opened bagmember are allowed to be placed on the extraction container and thematerial to be extracted is allowed to be contained in said bag member.2. An extraction bag with support according to claim 1, whereindownwardly extending middle aprons are formed at the central portions atthe lower ends of the leg portions of said front and back face sectionsof said support member.
 3. An extraction bag with support according toclaim 1, wherein downwardly extending right and left side lowerprojections are formed at both the right and left lower ends of the legportions of said front and back face sections of said support member. 4.An extraction bag with support according to claim 1, wherein downwardlyextending middle aprons are formed at the central portions at the lowerends of the leg portions of said front and back face sections of saidsupport members, downwardly extending right and left side lowerprojections are formed at both the right and left ends of said legportions, and said right and left side lower projections are formingdents with respect to said middle aprons.
 5. An extraction bag withsupport according to claim 1, wherein one or more dents are formed inthe central portions of the middle aprons of the front and back facesections of said support member.
 6. An extraction bag with supportaccording to claim 1, wherein said front and back face sections of saidbag member have a square or rectangular shape.
 7. An extraction bag withsupport according to claim 1, wherein the bottom edge of said bag memberis formed straight, and the width of the bottom edge is smaller than thewidth of the common top edge of said bag member.
 8. An extraction bagwith support according to claim 1, wherein two projections are formed onthe bottom edge of said bag member, and the distance between the ends ofthe two projections is smaller than the width of the common top edge ofsaid bag member.
 9. An extraction bag with support containing a materialto be extracted comprising: a bag member made of a water-permeablefiltering sheet for containing a material to be extracted; and a supportmember made of a water-resistant sheet for forming a support for saidbag member; wherein said bag member has front and back face sectionsformed by folding said water-permeable filtering sheet into halves alonga center line thereof, said front and back face sections beingcontinuous with each other at their top edges thereof, and being joinedand sealed together at both their side edge portions and bottom edgeportion; said support member is folded into halves along the center linethereof, and has front and back face sections overlapped on the outersides of the front and back face sections of said bag member, the frontand back face sections of said support member continuing to each otherat the top edge thereof, symmetrical to each other, the common top endof said support member being overlapped on the common top edge of saidbag member, and a maximum width of said bag member being larger than amaximum width of said support member; the front and back face sectionsof said support member are sectionalized into head and leg portions dueto folding lines formed in the direction of width thereof, and said headand leg portions can be folded along said folding lines; arcuatepush-bending lines are formed at the right and left edges of thecontinuing head portions of the front and back face sections of saidsupport member passing through said top edges and reaching the right andleft ends of said folding lines, and right and left push-bendingportions are formed on the outer sides of the right and leftpush-bending lines; arcuate rows of perforations for cutting or tearingare formed in the continuing head portions of the front and back facesections of said support member on the inside of said right and leftpush-bending lines over the front and back face sections of said supportmember and over the front and back face sections of said bag member heldtherebetween, so as to be separated away from said right and leftpush-bending lines, portions for cutting or tearing are formed on theinside of said rows of perforations for cutting or tearing, or theportions for cutting or tearing of the front and back face sections ofsaid support member are cut and torn away, and said arcuate perforationsfor cutting or tearing are formed in the front and back face sections ofsaid bag member only; the front and back face sections of said supportmember and the front and back face sections of said bag member incontact thereto are joined together on at least one region of the legportions; and the portions for cutting and tearing of said bag membercontaining said material to be extracted and of said support member arecut and torn apart along said rows of perforations for cutting ortearing, or the portion for cutting and tearing of said bag member onlyis cut and torn apart along said row of perforations for cutting ortearing when the portions for cutting and tearing of said support memberhave been cut and torn away, the right and left push-bending portions atupper portions of said support member are pushed up or pushed downinwardly along said push-bending lines, so that the two continuing headportions of the front and back face sections of said support member arepush-opened toward both sides of said common top edge, that saidportions for cutting or tearing of the bag member are opened and thatthe leg portions of the front and back face sections of said supportmember are folded down from the push-opened head portions along saidtransverse folding lines, whereby the leg portions of the support membersupporting the opened bag member are allowed to be placed on theextraction container.
 10. An extraction bag with support containing amaterial to be extracted according to claim 9, wherein downwardlyextending middle aprons are formed at the central portions at the lowerends of the leg portions of said front and back face sections of saidsupport member.
 11. An extraction bag with support containing a materialto be extracted according to claim 9, wherein downwardly extending rightand left side lower projections are formed at both the right and leftlower ends of the leg portions of said front and back face sections ofsaid support member.
 12. An extraction bag with support containing amaterial to be extracted according to claim 9, wherein downwardlyextending middle aprons are formed at the central portions at the lowerends of the leg portions of said front and back face sections of saidsupport member, downwardly extending right and left side lowerprojections are formed at both the right and left ends of said legportions, and said right and left side lower projections form dents withrespect to said middle aprons.
 13. An extraction bag with supportcontaining a material to be extracted according to claim 10, wherein oneor more dents are formed in the central portion of the middle aprons ofthe front and back face sections of said support member.
 14. Anextraction bag with support containing a material to be extractedaccording to claim 9, wherein the front and back face sections of saidbag member have a square or rectangular shape.
 15. An extraction bagwith support containing a material to be extracted according to claim 9,wherein the bottom edge of said bag member is formed straight, and thewidth of the bottom edge is smaller than the width of the common topedge of said bag member.
 16. An extraction bag with support containing amaterial to be extracted according to claim 9, wherein two projectionsare formed on the bottom edge of said bag member, and the distancebetween the ends of the two projections is smaller than the width of thecommon top edge of said bag member.
 17. A sheet composite for producingan extraction bag with support comprising: a water-permeable filteringsheet member; and a plurality of support members arranged on the sheetmember in the lengthwise direction thereof maintaining a distance;wherein said support members are each constituted by two symmetricalhalf portions on both sides of a center line thereof, the supportmembers being arranged on said sheet member in such a manner that thecenter lines thereof are in agreement with the center line of said sheetmember in the lengthwise direction thereof; the two half portions ofsaid support members are continuing to each other along the centerlines; wherein when the center lines are oriented in the horizontaldirection and when the half portions are viewed in such a manner thatsaid center lines form top edges of the half portions: (1) each halfportion includes a head portion close to the top edge (center line), afolding line formed in parallel with the top edge, and a leg portioncontinuous with said top portion via the folding line; (2) arcuatepush-bending lines are formed at the right and left ends of the headportion of each half portion extending inward from the right and leftends of said folding line, the arcuate push-bending lines continuing toeach other at said top edge; (3) arcuate rows of perforations are formedin said head portion of each half portion on the inside of the right andleft arcuate push-bending lines penetrating through said support membersand through said sheet member so as to be separated away from saidpush-bending lines, the rows of perforations in each half portion arecontinuous with each other at the top edge so as to form an arcuate rowof perforations for cutting or tearing, a portion for cutting or tearingis formed on the inside of the arcuate rows of perforation for cuttingor tearing, or the portion for cutting or tearing of said support memberis cut and torn away, and said row of perforations is formed in thesheet member only; and (4) each half portion of the support member andsaid sheet member are joined to each other in at least one region ofsaid leg portion.
 18. A sheet composite according to claim 17, whereinoutwardly extending middle aprons are formed at the central portions atthe outer ends of the leg portions of the two half portions of saidsupport members.
 19. A sheet composite according to claim 17, whereinoutwardly extending right and left side lower projections are formed atboth the right and left outer ends of said leg portions of the two halfportions of said support member.
 20. A sheet composite according toclaim 17, wherein downwardly extending middle aprons are formed at thecentral portions at the lower ends of the leg portions of said front andback face sections of said support members, downwardly extending rightand left side lower projections are formed at both the right and leftends of said leg portions, and said right and left side lowerprojections form dents with respect to said middle aprons.
 21. A sheetcomposite according to claim 18, wherein one or more dents are formed inthe central portions of the middle apron at the front and back face ofsaid sections of said support members.